CHARLOTTE -- The Panthers drafted running back Jordan Scarlett from Florida with their fifth-round selection.
The 5-foot-11, 208-pounder started 12 games in 2018, rushing for 776 yards and five scores on 131 carries (5.9 average) and catching 10 passes for 84 yards. He hopes to get a chance to spell Christian McCaffrey, an All-Pro selection for the Panthers in 2018 when he was on the field more than any running back in the league.
"I can get those tough yards in between the trenches and take some of the wear and tear off his body because I'm a very physical runner and I like to run downhill," Scarlett said. "Also I'm a great pass protector and run blocker, too."
Scarlett's production in 2016 was similar to last season's output, helping him total 1,846 rushing yards for the Gators. In 2017, he served a season-long suspension after he and eight other Florida players were under investigation for credit card fraud.
"It was just a terrible, long year," Scarlett said. "I had been playing football since I was six or seven years old and never missed a year. So when I had to miss a year due to suspension, it just hurt me and it kind of made me reflect on how much football really meant to me and who I am. Definitely a learning experience."
The Panthers hold two more picks after sending No. 187 in the sixth round to the Broncos and acquiring Denver's pick at No. 212 as well as the Broncos' seventh-round selection (No. 237).
Pictures from Jordan Scarlett's playing days at Florida.
during the Gators' game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. / UAA Communications photo by Tim Casey
during the Gators' game against the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Tim Casey
during the Gators' game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Tim Casey
Florida running back Jordan Scarlett (25) runs by Michigan linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Florida running back Jordan Scarlett (25) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Michigan during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Florida running back Jordan Scarlett (25) runs 48-yards for a touchdown against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Florida running back Jordan Scarlett (25) runs against Mississippi State during the first half of their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Florida won 13-6. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
during the Gators' game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Matt Stamey
